Resting Half Pigeon
Resting Half Pigeon…it’s one of those poses that people either love or hate. I absolutely love it for both the physical and emotional effects it provides. Read on as I break down the how-to’s and the benefits this pose has to offer.
How To Do Resting Half Pigeon
- Beginning from Downward Facing Dog, or a tabletop position, draw your right knee forward towards your right wrist. Experiment with what feels right for you, giving you a stretch on your outer hip without any discomfort in your knee
- Extend your left leg out long behind you
- Point your left toes towards the back of your space, heel pointing up to the ceiling
- Your right ankle will be somewhere in front of your left hip
- Keep your right foot fairly flexed to protect your right knee
- Inhale to prepare, find a tall spine and a lifted heart
- Exhale, walk your hands out in front of you and come to rest your forehead onto the ground, a block, or your forearms. On each exhalation, try to release the tension in the right hip
- To release, walk your upper body back up so that your shoulders rest over your hips
- Press back into Downward Facing Dog, or tabletop, and then repeat on the left side
Modify or Replace
- Rest a block underneath your right hip, when your right leg is bent, if your hip is lifted
- Find figure-four on your back if you feel notable pain or strain in your bent knee
- Rest a blanket under your knees or hips for added support
Benefits of Resting Half Pigeon
- Cleanses the liver
- Restorative energy
- Opens the hips deeply
- Releases stored emotions
